Wednesday, May 21, 2008

San Diego Padres pitcher Chris Young and catcher Josh Bard were knocked out of Wednesday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals by Albert Pujols within a span of two batters.

Pujols hit a line drive off Young's face in the third inning, forcing the right-hander to leave the game. Young immediately fell on his backside and put his right hand up to his face. Blood was running down his face....

According to the Padres, Young suffered a nasal fracture and laceration to the nose and was transported to Scripps Green Hospital for further evaluation.

Pujols' shot ricocheted to the left side of the infield for a single and loaded the bases with one out. After Ryan Ludwick's grounder knocked in one run and advanced the runners, Troy Glaus lined a single to right field.

Aaron Miles and Pujols scored on the play. But right fielder Brian Giles' throw arrived at the plate at the same time as Pujols, who slid and caught Bard's left leg.

Bard went down in a heap and stayed on the ground for a few minutes before he was helped off the field, dragging his left leg.